The current status of haemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Haemoglobin-based red cell substitutes have recently passed a myriad of safety studies and are now undergoing efficacy evaluation. There are numerous potential benefits with use of these solutions: they are readily available and have a long shelf-life; do not require typing and cross-matching; are free of viral or bacterial contamination; lack the immunosuppressive effects of blood; and have a much lower viscosity than blood. One-third of the 10 million units of blood transfused in the United States each year is utilized in the emergency setting. Therefore, a safe, effective substitute for blood should have significant impact upon the way we resuscitate bleeding patients. In this article, the current status of the various haemoglobin-based red cell substitutes is reviewed.
Cohn
S M
SM
Department of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101, USA. scohn@mednet.med.miami.edu
D001802:Blood Substitutes / Q000145:classification / Q000266:history; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006454:Hemoglobins; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans
D001802:Blood Substitutes; D006454:Hemoglobins